Thursday, December 09, 2010

Why Medieval?

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5 comments:

  1. Anonymous1:02 PM

    Hi! I'm currently finishing a master's degree in Medieval Studies and applying to doctorate programs in History with a focus on medieval Europe. I found your story interesting because, although many different factors came together to set me on the path of medievalism, fantasy literature--especially the Inklings--was the first and probably most influential component. I only half existed in this world growing up; I practically breathed Narnian air. My mom was actually worried for awhile.

    I kind of wonder if you polled medievalists, how many of them would cite fantasy literature as their earliest fascination with medievalism. It seems I hear that from a lot of people. I have a theory that, with the popular books and movies intent on portraying the actual Middle Ages in a mostly negative light, only fantasy-- which removes the medieval from its historical context--allows people to sidestep that image and appreciate the beauty the medieval world was capable of producing.

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  2. Russell Jensen12:07 AM

    Hello Dr. Nokes-

    I laughed aloud when you talked about your earliest experiences with Lewis and Tolkien and about fell out of my chair when I saw the DND box that you had. It's good to know there are other kindred spirits out there.

    I have a strong liking of all things medieval, even though I ended up as a network engineer and lean toward the re-enactment side of things. I do like old english Shakespeare and history/reference books, espeically the 'how they did this' references. I've even tried some of the crafting techniques that are shown.

    The bad news is that nothing has come out quite as nicely as it was supposed to, but the good news is that I also haven't lost any fingers/limbs in the attempt.

    Good blog! I'm going to work my way backwards through your posts!

    RJ
    www.modernmedievalist.com

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  3. Skype English Lessons11:38 AM

    Great work. i love it too.!

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  4. Christian Lindke3:51 PM

    Sweet little booklet you have there. I have one that looks surprisingly similar to it. Though I wonder if it wasn't the section of Isle of Dread describing the various regime types of the nations of the "Known World" that led to my pursuing graduate level study in political science.

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  5. ma-dissertations review1:23 PM

    Really cool post! Thanks a lot.

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